Florida Governor DeSantis has signed the death warrant for Louis Bernard Gaskin, who was sentenced to death for the 1989 murders of Robert and Georgette Sturmfels.
On the night of December 20, 1989, Louis Gaskin drove to Palm Coast and spotted a light on in the home of Robert and Georgette Sturmfels.
He parked his car in the woods and, with a loaded gun, walked to the house. He saw the couple sitting in their den.
In the news: Death Penalty Proposed In Florida Child-Rape Cases
He walked around the house and shot Robert Sturmfels twice through the window.
As Georgette Sturmfels stood up, Gaskin also shot her through the window and then shot Robert a third time. Georgette crawled into the hallway, but Gaskin pursued her from the outside of the home and shot her again. Gaskin then pulled out a screen, broke the bedroom window, and entered the home.
He shot each victim once more in the head. A total of four bullets struck Robert, and Georgette was struck five times. Gaskin then robbed the Sturmfels’ home, stealing items such as lamps, a grandfather clock, video cassette recorders, jewelry, and cash.
Gaskin proceeded to the home of a second set of victims, Joseph and Mary Rector, who lived less than one mile away. At approximately 11:30 p.m., he arrived at the home and similarly observed the couple in their den.
In the news: Florida House Moves Forward On Death Penalty Changes
Gaskin cut their phone lines and threw a log and rocks at the house to lure out Joseph Rector. From outside the home, through the bedroom window, Gaskin shot Joseph as he stood in the bedroom doorway. Joseph and Mary were able to get into their car and drive away, all while Gaskin fired shots at their car.
After Gaskin was arrested, he confessed to the crimes and directed police to further evidence in a nearby canal. When arrested, Gaskin also confessed to another murder: Charles Miller.
Miller was found by the police dead on the porch of his trailer. He died from multiple gunshot wounds.
The execution date has been set for Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at 6 p.m.
Android Users, Click Here To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook Here Or Twitter Here. Signup for our free newsletter by clicking here. We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps.